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Ammonia Leak at Taylor Farms Hospitalizes 13; Two in Serious Condition

09:16 PM, 11/21/2025
Ammonia Leak at Taylor Farms Hospitalizes 13; Two in Serious Condition

Thirteen workers at Taylor Farms in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, were hospitalized after an ammonia vapor leak on Nov. 20; two remain in serious condition. Emergency and hazmat teams ventilated the plant and decontaminated exposed employees after a roof valve allowed air to draw ammonia into the building. The leak is linked to the facility’s refrigeration system, and state environmental investigators are continuing their probe. Taylor Farms previously agreed to a federal settlement in 2023 that required safety improvements following earlier releases.

Thirteen people were hospitalized after an ammonia vapor leak at the Taylor Farms processing plant in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, on Nov. 20. Two patients remain in serious condition while the others are expected to recover, officials said.

Emergency crews responded shortly after 6 p.m. when workers reported a strong ammonia odor and irritation to their eyes and throats. North Kingstown Fire Chief John Linacre said the release was vapor rather than liquid and that the plant’s ammonia system was shut down as a precaution.

“We had people coming out of the building complaining that they were smelling of ammonia with irritation to their eyes and their throats,” Chief Linacre said.

Hazardous materials teams ventilated the facility and decontamination crews treated affected workers on site. Officials said the leak originated from a valve on the roof; air entered the system and drew ammonia into the building. The release has been tied to the facility’s refrigeration system, and state environmental investigators continue to probe the cause and scope of the incident.

Background and follow-up

Taylor Farms previously faced enforcement action related to past ammonia releases. In 2023 the company agreed to a federal settlement that included a $650,000 penalty and requirements to implement specific safety improvements at the North Kingstown facility following earlier incidents. Local and state authorities say they will continue their review to determine what additional measures are needed to prevent future leaks.

This episode follows a separate ammonia release earlier in November that sent dozens of people to hospital in another state, underscoring ongoing concerns about industrial refrigeration safety and emergency response preparedness.

Officials say the plant’s ammonia system will remain offline while investigators and safety teams complete their inspections and remediation work.

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Ammonia Leak at Taylor Farms Hospitalizes 13; Two in Serious Condition - CRBC News